A Journey To Celebrate: Get To Know The Oscar Winner Daniel Kaluuya

Although Daniel Kaluuya has acted in numerous minor roles such as johnny English Reborn and Kick-Ass 2, he entered our screens and won our hearts with Jordan Peele’s well-known film Get Out. The thriller featured Daniel as the lead actor taking us on a whirlwind of emotions, from horror, fear, confusion, amusement and anticipation. For many Get Out may have been the best film of 2017 and it only got better with Queen and Slim tugging at our heartstrings and Black Panther welcoming us to a world of Afrofuturism.  

 Director of Get Out Jordan Peele stated that he knew Kaluuya was perfect for the role after five takes of a key scene in the movie, in which the character Chris needed to cry. Peele commented on how perfect every take was so perfect he nailed the same captivating performance each time even to the detail of the same single tear rolling down his cheek at the exact same time each take. I’m sure we can all guess which scene this was and how it hypnotized and gripped us all to our seats. Sounds familiar? 

The humble star was in shock and disbelief after receiving the news straight after his performance. It’s no surprise to us he has gone on to another incredible role in Judas and the Black Messiah winning him an Oscar award for best-supporting actor.  

Kaluuya’s ability to change from displaying intense and striking emotions to showing characteristics of the light hearted slightly awkward guy that feels like your friend, has made him an icon in both culture and the film industry. 

 Even at one of the most prestigious award ceremonies, Daniel lets that personality shine through from displaying his utmost gratitude to God to switching it up and giving thanks to his parents for having sex… If that’s not light-hearted and slightly awkward I don’t know what is. Kaluuya is a dynamic young man that has many sides that we are yet to see. 

 “When work ends, I’d rather just be seen as Daniel – normal.”

– Daniel Kaluuya

 So who really is Daniel the ‘normal’ guy? Daniel Kaluuya was born on February 24th 1989 in London to Ugandan parents. His mother, Damalie,  who has been circulating the internet for her confused reaction to Kaluuya’s speech, raised him on a council estate in Camden Town, along with an older sister. Starting his passion in the film industry at the tender age of 9, Kaluuya put his hyper and curious mind to work and wrote his very first play that was performed at London’s Hampstead Theatre. Seeing his talent sparked an idea in Kaluuya’s mother to keep him out of trouble by sending him to an after school drama class, little did she know that was her best idea yet. With clear direction and pursuing his career eagerly, Daniel Kaluuya juggled becoming a contributing writer and actor for popular British show skins whilst still in school. This makes Kaluuya one of the youngest people to ever write for a primetime drama. 

What can we learn from Daniel Kaluuya ? 

Daniel Kaluuya presents himself as a modest and respectful guy which could be a challenge when you’ve received award after award, however his modesty, down to earth personality and well, normalness makes him relatable, someone you can connect with and cheer for.  Perhaps we can all take away that attitude as we take our respective journeys on the come up to remain genuine and remember the people who watched us or listen to us are normal , just like we are.